Razer Mechanical?

[washuai]

I'll add to the silly cable discussion.  Mine still basically looks new to me without frays.  As I move my razer death adder around, sometimes the frackin' braided cable makes louder noises that make it sound like I'm trying to saw through it, or am getting rope burn.  Unlike my old mouse, I feel like the cable is a weight I'm pulling against.  In fact, the feeling makes me very much wish I had wireless.  For the most part, it is minimal and I just ignore it, but I'd say the cable is inferior to my old cheapo.  True, maybe I could have damaged the cheapo easier, but I never did.

[washuai]

Hey, you can still get the bleeding edge motherboard with PS2 port and USB 3.0 ports.  I just wish USB 3.0 didn't have the same limitations, especially since the connector shape is different.  If it isn't going to be backwards compatible, what is the point of not doing some major innovation?

[Bullveyr]

Why should I care about "advanced customization and performance features", I don't need or use them.
Not that I really have a problem with the BlackWidow being USB.

[washuai]

My Filco is USB, even though I plug it, via dongle, into my PS2 port.  My G80 and my Compaq MX11800, on the other hand are PS2.
I don't mind Blackwidow being USB and I don't mind their 6KRO, or whatever it is.  I do mind clicky and full sized.

[Brodie337]

Hey, you can still get the bleeding edge motherboard with PS2 port and USB 3.0 ports.  I just wish USB 3.0 didn't have the same limitations, especially since the connector shape is different.  If it isn't going to be backwards compatible, what is the point of not doing some major innovation?

I've got a motherboard with USB 3, and I can tell you that the plug is exactly the same as USB 2, and USB 3 devices work in USB2 ports and ht other way around as well.

[lmnop]

you mean USB 3.0 isn't going to improve anything? rollover? data? power?

[Phaedrus2129]

You guys haven't been following the news?

Try 5000Mbps rather than 480Mbps. Also additional power and data connectors and a shielding requirement. The port is slightly changed, but USB 2.0 devices can still be used in USB 3.0 ports.

No benefit for keyboards or mice or whatever, but external drives will have bandwidth somewhere between IDE and SATA I, making them much faster.

[panda-R]

you mean USB 3.0 isn't going to improve anything? rollover? data? power?

serious?

USB is the sauce of fastness if you have not heard already.

[lmnop]

I know what USB 3.0 is I am talking about the impact it will have on keyboards. any keyboard. for starters it would be nice if you could plug the Logitech G19 in without having to use a A/C adapter.

[Brodie337]

I know what USB 3.0 is I am talking about the impact it will have on keyboards. any keyboard. for starters it would be nice if you could plug the Logitech G19 in without having to use a A/C adapter.

No matter what the actual impact it has, Razer will say it "Reduces lag by 70 percent, make your dinner and blow you!!!"

[bhtooefr]

USB 3.0 redefines the unit load (the measurement of USB current draw) as 150 mA (from 100 mA) and allows up to 6 unit loads instead of 5.

So, you get 900 mA instead of 500 mA.

Also, there's some battery charging modes that are even applicable to newer USB 2.0 devices, I think - up to 1.5 A when at USB 1.1 speeds.

[IndesisiveAvocaodes]

Joined here just to post in this thread. Figuring out what the  "Name the three letter acronym of a common computer interface used for peripherals such as keyboards and mice." gave me quite a whirl.

Anyways, im hoping the Razer BW can replace this dreadful Microsoft Media 3000 keyboard I have. The flat keys and flat design is a real killer for me. That said I actually preferred this type of keyboard over my current one:
http://pointone.com.pk/store/images/dell_keyboard.jpg

I find spending 130 for a Filco Brown keyboard difficult, but i've had a tendency to buy overly expensive things thanks to Head-Fi. Just hope this exceeds or at least meets my expectations.

[elbowglue]

IMHO filco is worth the extra bucks for me because of the form factor of the Tenkeyless keyboards.  No wasted space whatsoever.

By the way, there is a Filco at my place of work which is used in a public fashion for the past few months about 24/7.  There is some sick keycap wear going on, I'll try to take some pics and post them at some point later.  The keycap coating has worn off in spots and looks fugly!

[IndesisiveAvocaodes]

Provided Razer does operate like a Filco Blue, would there be a reason to still use a Filco Blue for someone who has never strayed past the realm of rubber domed?

The whole reason im being so unsure is because a Filco, as far as I know, isnt available in Brick and Motar stores, takes a while to ship, doesn't allow you to return without damage, and costs a bit to ship :/

If somehow I could find all these keyboards you guys mention in a room and try them out for myself, that would be great and I'd have a decision made quickly.However its not so The only real computer store we have left here is Best Buy and Office Depot, both of which are very standard and specialize in very popular brands that everyone knows, like Razer or Logitech.

[ch_123]

Filco has proper NKRO, is probably better built (the Razer is coming from an OEM whose products don't have the best reputation for QA, obviously we won't know for certain till it comes out, but it's worth nothing) and is looks less ridiculous

[ch_123]

Filco has proper NKRO, is probably better built (the Razer is coming from an OEM whose products don't have the best reputation for QA, obviously we won't know for certain till it comes out, but it's worth nothing) and looks less ridiculous

[lmnop]

the Razer|Ark rep was at OCN yesterday in the mechanical keyboard guide but didn't post

[ClackHead]

the Razer|Ark rep was at OCN yesterday in the mechanical keyboard guide but didn't post

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you're the same lmnop on the ocn forums.:spy:

[ch_123]

Did he post again?

Need guinea pigs. Squeal.

I'm going to sit back, light up a cigar, and let the OCN folks be led like lambs to the slaughter.

[lmnop]

nope. he was only on for a couple minutes.

[IndesisiveAvocaodes]

Ripster from the moment ive lurked the forums you've let  out knowledge like you were born under the sign of the Keyboard! (if you've played Oblivion).

Im not understanding something though, how did the people in Singapore get them? Also, I just saw the Razer youtube video you posted on page 23. That was painful to watch. D:

[IndesisiveAvocaodes]

Im having a hard time understanding this too:

The Razer Rep said that they're blue switches, but then they said that it feels different from one? So its lighter than a blue switch so its more of a brown then? Why do all these Reps sound like the words they say must be filtered through some sort of language in which they have to say everything a certain way that doesnt question the quality of the products? Certainly the mild language makes it seem like "one of us", but everything else feels moderated.

[Phaedrus2129]

The XArmor felt different from the Das. They're both plate mounted, but the thickness of the plate and height/thickness of the keycaps is different. That's probably why they noticed the difference; differences in design between iOne and Costar, not cherry picked Cherries.

[Phaedrus2129]

He also implied they've been working on it for four years, that it's made of solid gold, and that it shoots rainbows when you type "RAZER RULES".


I honestly don't trust anything Razer's marketing department is saying about this keyboard.

[British]

I honestly don't trust anything Razer's marketing department is saying.

Corrected.

[chongyixiong]

RAZER SUC....

Crap, my keyboard turned into dust.

[aCuria]

I have tried both versions of the blackwidow. I dont currently own a mechanical, but have tried filco brown and blues.

1) both versions feel the same.
2) They are tactile AND clicky
3) I am not sure what switches they actually use (did not have anything suitable to pry it out)
edit: ok i see that they are actually using the blue switches according to an earlier post. That comes as abit of a shock
4) The weight on the switches are FEELS higher than the filco brown and blue switches.
5) They FEEL more tactile than both filco brown and blue switches.
6) I am not sure how the clickyness compares to the blue, it was rather noisy when i tested it out.

I actually think I would prefer the razer mechanical over the blue/brown switches, as I find the blue/brown too light and not clicky enough, which is why I did not buy them.

I think the piano finish is awful. It is a fingerprint and dust magnet.

I also dislike how the face of the keyboard "falls off". Carrying it around would be a pain. See first pic in the middle row
http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/en_US/pd/productID.211324200/parentCategoryID.35156900/categoryId.49136200/

I heard the SC2 keyboard will use mechanical switches too, according to the razer reps anyway. These guys are clueless part-timers though so this may not be a false rumor.

[SmallWalrus]

Filco has proper NKRO, is probably better built (the Razer is coming from an OEM whose products don't have the best reputation for QA, obviously we won't know for certain till it comes out, but it's worth nothing) and is looks less ridiculous

?

Aren't they both from Costar?

[lmnop]

?

Aren't they both from Costar?

no.

[highspeed]

3.   OMFG/WTF/etc WHY THE BLUES INSTEAD OF THE [Insert your favorite color switch here] First up, they all cost almost the same – blues, blacks, reds, etc and we had tested all of the switches with multiple designs. So we picked the Blues intentionally from the get go.  We went through a design cycle with each of the different switches and our ergo team together with our pool of pro gamers went through extensive validation of the Blues – we came up with 2 real conclusions, 1. It’s a question of preference of each user primarily and 2. There’s a lot of marketing bull**** and FUD out there about which color is better etc etc.

I guess none of your pro players bottom out then? Cause if you bottom out like pretty much every gamer do, tactile switches are useless and annoying. The bump in force does nothing and is only a hinder before you bottom out.

5.
Some of the key design features include our shifting of the F-key row from the traditional position to the right – just above the WASD cluster (F1 is above the W key).

6.   Why are the function keys on the Razer BlackWidow shifted slightly more to the right?  Our ergonomics team has made subtle changes to the placement of the keytop – while most of the placement of the keys have been retained to allow gamers to immediately get used to the key locations, we have shifted the F-key row to the right slightly to align the F1 key directly above the W of the WASD home keys. Extensive ergonomics tests have shown that this new alignment will allow faster keypress accuracy for games that require the use of the F-key row.

Wow, this is really a failure. You should fire your design team. By moving the F-keys to the right makes it impossible to move forward(with W) and press F1 with the ringfinger at the same time. Further more this itself makes you have one less binding. Also you do the same mistake like every other kb maker out there, having distance between F keys and number keys. You talking about faster keypress and missing the fundamental thing that more distance takes more time to reach? The F buttons should have been directly above the number buttons with no extra distance. Only kb ive seen using this is the old Apple one, its shame that kb was rubber dome and lost its feeling so fast.
Only conclusion is that either your pros is only FPS players that use very limited amount of binds or you talking bollox. Every gamer that plays MMO such as World of warcraft have bindings at the F buttons and its awesome becuase you can move at the same time that you push them, so its vital that they are close as possible to you.

I give you one pluspoint though and that is its good that you enter the mechanical market aswell as having a good price.

[itlnstln]

3) I am not sure what switches they actually use (did not have anything suitable to pry it out)
edit: ok i see that they are actually using the blue switches according to an earlier post. That comes as abit of a shock

Different keycaps and construction can make switches feel different from 'board to 'board.

[aCuria]

I guess none of your pro players bottom out then? Cause if you bottom out like pretty much every gamer do, tactile switches are useless and annoying. The bump in force does nothing and is only a hinder before you bottom out.

I disagree with this. I would prefer a tactile and clickie response that tells me that the key has been actuated. Anyhow theres always the steel series for those who prefer the blacks.

Agree fully with the F1 keys. In games like red alert, E/R/T -> Fn keys are pressed often. now its harder to press E F1

[Kairxa]

I heard the SC2 keyboard will use mechanical switches too, according to the razer reps anyway. These guys are clueless part-timers though so this may not be a false rumor.

Hell, contract with Blizzard, APM-light indicatorr, and Mechanical for 119.99? (Wow, the price has been reduced o.o I believe it used to be 129.99)
No way Razer will be that kind-hearted.

[skartt]

6. Why are the function keys on the Razer BlackWidow shifted slightly more to the right? Our ergonomics team has made subtle changes to the placement of the keytop – while most of the placement of the keys have been retained to allow gamers to immediately get used to the key locations, we have shifted the F-key row to the right slightly to align the F1 key directly above the W of the WASD home keys. Extensive ergonomics tests have shown that this new alignment will allow faster keypress accuracy for games that require the use of the F-key row.

translates to

6. Why are the function keys on the Razer BlackWidow shifted slightly more to the right? Our manufacturer has made changes to the placement of the keytop in the model we used for reference – while most of the placement of the keys have been retained, we have no clue why they shifted the F-key row slightly to the right and they told us it was to align the F1 key directly above the W of the WASD home keys. Extensive marketing experience has shown us that this above statement will be swallowed by the majority of gamers that use the F-key row.

[Jalal]

The first bad thing which i noticed after seeing a picture of this keyboard was the placement of the F-Keys. Just to far away, and i thought "did they only consider fps players?". Even on a g80-3000 the F Keys are too far, but what Razer did is worse.

[skartt]

Hell, contract with Blizzard, APM-light indicatorr, and Mechanical for 119.99? (Wow, the price has been reduced o.o I believe it used to be 129.99)
No way Razer will be that kind-hearted.

On the GamesCom it was shown as rubberdome.

[Kairxa]

On the GamesCom it was shown as rubberdome.

Thanks for the info
No hesitation then in selling that keyboard (won the keyboard from SC2 Midnight Giveaway that Razer had several weeks ago).

[panda-R]

I disagree with this. I would prefer a tactile and clickie response that tells me that the key has been actuated. Anyhow theres always the steel series for those who prefer the blacks.

I disagree with your disagree. In gaming environment i don't think you have time to care about whether or not you "know" the key has been activated. It's the end result that counts and having gamed on Cherry blues, they aren't fast enough for certain games, namely FPS when you gotta double tap, etc. You really need to let up on the blues before they can activate again. However as always, to each their own.

[panda-R]

dam those crazy test robots! if i knew they had test robots earlier i would have retracted my statement. But then again, i'm one of those weirdos that maps my 'F' key as my primary fire button and as far as i can remember my other boards seem to be a little better for button smashing then my blue board of doom.

[lmnop]

Crazy9000 hit the donkey on the head.

I have the problem even when I don't double tap. I can't even play counterstrike with blue switches, since moving back and forth doesn't work. When I'm quickly switching between keys, like to peek out around a corner, I don't fully lift my fingers up. This makes the blue switches not work.

Watch yourself when you play next time, and see if you lift your fingers up when you move around. If you do, then the blue's should work fine.

I can't play Team Fortress 2 with Cherry MX Blue switches.

[ch_123]

Striking farm animals on the cranium is illegal in many jurisdictions.

[FourOhFour]

I can't play Team Fortress 2 with Cherry MX Blue switches.

Just play Pyro, W+M1 doesn't care what switches you use ;-)

[lmnop]

I have been playing Soldier for 13 years. I bought a steelseries 7G in January but the cable was DOA so I exchanged it for a steelseries xai because I was convinced I could change my style but I can't. I am too shifty for my own good

[lmnop]

I have been playing Soldier for 13 years. I bought a steelseries 7G in January but the cable was DOA so I exchanged it for a steelseries xai because I was convinced I could change my style but I can't. I am too shifty for my own good

[erricrice]

My kid plays TF2 with Buckling Springs fine.

The OCN crowd always gets hysterical about hysteresis.  I think it's way overblown.

Yeah, I must agree here.  The concept makes sense, but in practice, a lot of the time it doesn't matter.  

Differs from person to person I guess, but I played Q3 and COD4 as well as source games(TF2 and HL) and some RTS games on exclusively blues and Buckling Springs for a long time and had no problems with it.

[lmnop]

My kid plays TF2 with Buckling Springs fine.

The OCN crowd always gets hysterical about hysteresis.  I think it's way overblown.

yeah Buckling Springs not Cherry MX Blue. I can play a RTS or RPG without any problems because they require simple pecking. down, up, down, up.

[lmnop]

When somebody finally gets this thing be sure to check it's Pseudo N-key capabilities thoroughly.  I'm curious what failure modes it has.

Use the brand new Nkey Reference Wiki, not the gawdawful one star Nkey sticky above.

I wonder if Razer will come clean about failure modes BEFORE it ships or force the clueless press to figure it out?

nice. good job

[erricrice]

When somebody finally gets this thing be sure to check it's Pseudo N-key capabilities thoroughly.  I'm curious what failure modes it has.

Use the brand new Nkey Reference Wiki, not the gawdawful one star Nkey sticky above.

I wonder if Razer will come clean about failure modes BEFORE it ships or force the clueless press to figure it out?

Very Nice!

I like how you completely avoided naming the adapters PS/2 to USB or vice versa.  Keeps the controversy down and people concentrated on the article lol

[erricrice]

Yeah, I don't understand where all the confusion comes from, it really is that simple.

I think people get hung up on the meaning of N or something.  

Didn't pay attention algebra apparently...

[ClackHead]

Crazy9000 hit the donkey on the head.


I can't play Team Fortress 2 with Cherry MX Blue switches.

but but but I just bought an MX blue filco which is on its way and I play TF2 all the time

Say it  ain't so!